Encrypted mail monitoring and data retrieval system

0001The present invention relates to the field of mail handling systems in general, and in particular to a dual encryption system for mail that allows encrypted data to be recorded, stored, transmitted and collected by a monitoring system so that the generated data may be systematically and/or selectively retrieved by authorized entities.

0002As can be seen by reference to the following U.S. Patent Nos. 4,637,051; 4,641,347; 4,660,221 and 4,743,747, the prior art is replete with myriad and diverse mail handling systems.

0003While all of the aforementioned patented systems are more than adequate for the particular purpose and function for which they have been specifically designed, these prior art systems fall far short of the goals and objectives that formed the motivating influence for the development of the mail monitoring system that forms the basis of the present invention.

0004In fact, this particular invention takes the general teachings and structures that are well represented in the prior art and encompasses them into a new broad based system, that provides distinct advantages to both the U.S. Postal Service, and their customers, in a new and unique fashion.

0005Up until the present time, there has not existed a method of tracking an article of mail through the postal system in real time nor has there been any method of determining that an article of mail was deposited by an identifiable entity at a known origin and destined for an identifiable recipient, while the article of mail was enroute to its ultimate destination.

0006As a consequence of the foregoing situation, there has existed a long standing need by both the U.S. Postal Service and their customers for a new type of mail monitoring system that will provide access to data regarding articles of mail such as origin, destination, present location, time enroute, etc.; and the provision of such a system is a stated objective of the present invention.

0007Briefly stated, the encrypted mail monitoring and data retrieval system that forms the basis of the present invention involves the combination of two new and unique systems developed by the United States Postal Service that work in conjunction with the existing POSTNET (Postal Numeric Encoding Technique) barcode system to create a permanent retrievable record of the location, origin, destination, content, time of receipt, and time in transit of articles of mail processed by the U.S. Postal Service.

0008The first portion of this invention is identified by the acronym PLANET which stands for Postal Alpha-Numeric Encoding Technique; wherein, each PLANET application consists of at least 2 parties: the U.S.P.S. and the original mailer, called the subscriber. Some applications also include a third party: a mutual customer, or someone who is using the mailstream to send mail to the subscriber.

0009Subscribers place a PLANET code on each of their mailpieces, in addition to the POSTNET code. The POSTNET code always identifies the physical destination for that article, be it a house, a firm, or post office box, or the subscriber's fixed receiving point(s). The PLANET code is structured to identify other items, such as the subscriber, a subscriber's customer, an account number, or for outbound foreign mail, the destination country and abbreviated postal code.

0010The PLANET code can be used as an electronic address <ul id="ul0001" list-style="dash" compact="compact"><li>the destination for electronic information regarding the article. The POSTNET code, however, always continues to represent the physical destination of the article, which also can be the electronic address for mail being returned to the subscriber, except for foreign mail where only the PLANET code may appear.</li></ul>

0011The second portion of this invention is identified by the acronym CONFIRM which stands for Computerized On-Line Notification For In-Bound Reply Mail and is embodied in two versions: Destination CONFIRM which provides information to a subscriber regarding the delivery of an article of mail, and Origin CONFIRM which provides information to a subscriber regarding an article entering the mailstream. Both of these versions combined pro vide the U.S.P.S. with the ability to electronically determine service status.

0012As will be explained in greater detail further on in the specification, this invention in essence involves a systematized and standardized method and process wherein information can be encoded by an organization using PLANET, read by the USPS and real time transaction information communicated back to the subscribing organization, and/or the USPS for their internal use by CONFIRM.

0013The USPS currently uses a tall/short bar symbology, POSTNET, for automatic processing of letter and flat mail. This symbology represents, in machine readable form, the ZIP, ZIP+4, or delivery point location for which the article is destined. POSTNET was developed for domestic mail processing. The number of digits in the code determines the number of bars in the POSTNET pattern. An additional digit is used as a check digit to accommodate recognition errors. No other information is encoded in the POSTNET symbology. Other symbologies are used in the delivery of items such as parcels, bundles, and containers or sacks, although with improvements in reading technology POSTNET and PLANET could be applied to such articles, or the data contained in POSTNET and PLANET can be applied to other sized articles in a symbology appropriate to their size.

0014Applications for tall/short bar barcodes have been developed by the U.S. Postal Service over the years, and since they have adopted the POSTNET code, other companies have begun to use POSTNET like systems to identify mailpiece content or other pertinent information. These applications are generally very limited in scope to the organization applying the code.

0015Companies currently apply marks (e.g., barcodes) that identify the destination of the article to which they are applied. The new barcode and association technology, called PLANET, will provide the recipient or originator with pertinent electronic information prior to delivery of the physical item.

0016PLANET has a multitude of applications, including, though not limited to, advance payment notification, electronic debit authorization, automatic notification of undeliverable articles, advance receipt notification or impending delivery confirmation, electronic manifest generation/confirmation, and article tracking/tracing.

0017Origin CONFIRM is designed to electronically notify a subscriber when an article has just entered the processing stream. This is a "check's in the mail" system.

0018Articles that are candidates for Origin CONFIRM would contain the current POSTNET code along with a PLANET code. The PLANET code would identify the customer, or person mailing the article back to the subscriber. The POSTNET code would identify the subscriber's physical and electronic address.

0019As soon as an Origin CONFIRM article is processed, both the POSTNET and PLANET codes (along with date/time, facility - a mail piece record) are stored locally.

0020These records are periodically forwarded to regional sites, which then share all the records with other regions.

0021Destination CONFIRM is designed to electronically notify a subscriber that an article has been, or is nearing, delivery to the customer.

0022Articles that are candidates for Destination CONFIRM would contain the current POSTNET code along with a PLANET code. The PLANET code would identify the subscriber's electronic address. The POSTNET code would identify the customer's physical address.

0023At the last point in the delivery process, both the POSTNET and PLANET codes (along with date/time, facility - an article record) are stored locally. These records are periodically forwarded to regional sites, which then share all records with other regions.

0024In both the Origin CONFIRM and Destination CONFIRM the subscribers, identified by their POSTNET code, would then receive the records electronically. Only those records for a subscriber would be provided, and all information would be encrypted for both privacy and security reasons. The subscribers could then use this information for any applications as will be explained in greater detail further on in the specification.

0025With both Origin and Destination CONFIRM, the USPS records data on each processing stage which can be used for internal monitoring of its processes.

0026These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon a thorough study of the following description of the best mode for carrying out the invention, particularly when reviewed in conjunction with the drawings, wherein: <ul id="ul0002" list-style="dash" compact="compact"><li>Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of the apparatus that are employed in accordance with the teachings of this invention to practice the method embodied in this invention;</li><li>Fig. 2 is a schematic flow chart depicting the interaction between the PLANET and CONFIRM systems of this invention; and</li><li>Fig. 3 is one example of an article of mail employing the teachings of this invention.</li></ul>

0027As can best be seen by reference to the drawings, and in particular to Fig. 1, the encrypted mail monitoring and data retrieval system that forms the basis of the present invention is designated generally by the reference numeral 10. The system 10 comprises in general, an image acquisition unit 20 an image processing unit 30 a system computer unit 40 a mechanical sorter unit 50 a remote data collection unit 60 a local data collection unit 70 a regional data collection unit 80 and a subscriber data receiving unit 90. These units will now be described in seriatim fashion.

0028As shown in Fig. 1, an article of mail 1 having both a POSTNET barcode 2 and PLANET encrypted code 3 imprinted thereon are fed into barcode readers 4 at both local and remote U.S.P.S. collection sites, wherein each of the barcode readers 4 are provided with an image acquisition unit 20 and an image processing unit 30.

0029The image acquisition unit 20 electronically scans the article of mail 1 and transmits 8-bit digital greyscale video information along with the necessary timing signals to the image processing unit 30, wherein, the digitized image consists of dots or pixels. The image processing unit 30 receives the article image from the image acquisition unit 20 and the image is then processed such that any barcodes and pertinent data for encryption within the image are located, read and decoded.

0030The resulting decoded barcodes are then transmitted to the barcode sorter 5. The image processing unit 30 transmits the ASCII-representation of the POSTNET code and the PLANET code in digital, via a parallel interface, to the barcode sorter 5. In the case where a particular code is not read, a reject code is provided to the barcode sorter 5.

0031Other external sensors, mounted on the barcode sorter, such as those that detect certified mail, have their data electronically merged with the POSTNET and PLANET code record.

0032Examples of barcode readers 4 having an image acquisition unit 20 and an image processing unit 30 suitable for use in conjunction with the teachings of this invention would be the U.S.P.S. Wide Area Bar Code Reader No. 1002499 or the Electrocom Automation E 4000.

0033Associated with the barcode reader 4 is a barcode sorter 5 such as the ECA Barcode Sorter 880 or 990 having a system computer unit 40 which receives the decoded barcode information from the barcode reader 4 and other sensors, translates the decoded information into a bin assignment and transmits that digital information to the mechanical sorter unit 50. In addition, the system computer unit 40 transmits all decoded barcode information, along with the date/time, and facility location for each article of mail 1 to either a remote data collection unit 60 or a local data collection unit 70.

0034For the purpose of this specification, the terms barcode reader and barcode sorter are to be understood as encompassing any device that includes the image acquisition and image processing functions with respect to the barcode reader and any device including a system computer and mechanical sorter with respect to the barcode sorter.

0035The system computer unit 40 provides the appropriate data collection unit 60 or 70 with the POSTNET and PLANET codes along with the time, date, and location at which each article 1 is processed. In addition, the system computer also notifies via a network connection such as Ethernet, the appropriate data collection unit 60 or 70 of the type of processing such as sort plan or operation number as well as the identification of the machine performing the processing.

0036Examples of system computer units 40 suitable for use in conjunction the system 10 of this invention would be the Everex Step 25 or the Intel 320.

0037The mechanical sorter unit 50 receives the bin information from the system computer unit 40 and directs the article of mail 1 to the appropriate bin location on the sorter unit 50. The system computer unit 40 also receives information back from the mechanical sorter unit 50 for gathering statistics such as number of jams, throughput, etc., as well as monitoring machine performance such as diagnostics, or the like. This information is transmitted digitally with the format and content varying with the particular machine type.

0038The remote data collection unit 60 exists at remote sites, or those being served by larger local sites. The remote data collection unit 60 records all of the article records from the remote site sorters and stores them on a local storage device. Information stored at the remote data collection unit 60 is made available to the local data collection unit 70.

0039The remote data collection stores the PLANET, POSTNET, date/time and other information received from the system computer. This same information is made available to local data collection communication with the local data collection is via a modem or network.

0040The local data collection unit 70 exists at local sites, or those serving remote sites, but served by regional sites. The local data collection unit 70 records all of the article records from the local site sorters and stores them on a local storage device. The local data collection unit 70 also requests and records all of the article records from the remote data collection unit 60. Information stored at the local data collection unit 70 is made available to the regional data collection unit 80 via a modem or network.

0041The local data collection unit 70 receives POSTNET 2, PLANET 3, date/time, and other information from the local barcode sorters. It also receives the same data format from the remote data collection units 60. All of these data are made available to the regional data collection unit 80. Communication with the remote data collection units 60 is via a modem of network. Communication with the regional data collection units 80 is via a dedicated network.

0042The regional data collection unit 80 exists at regional sites, the highest level in the data collection scheme. The regional data collection unit 80 records all of the article records from the local data collection units 70, and thus the remote data collection units 60. Information stored at the regional data collection unit 80 is made available to all other regional data collection units 80.

0043The regional data collection unit 80 receives the POSTNET 2, PLANET 3, date/time, and other information from the local data collection units 70. This information is passed to other regional data collection units 80 via a dedicated network.

0044Each subscriber to the system 10 will be electronically linked via a subscriber data receiving unit 90 to the regional data collection unit 80 nearest their site. Since all regional data collection units 80 share their information, the subscriber thus has access to all article records throughout the entire system.

0045The data the subscriber receives is first "massaged" by the regional data collection units. The type of service in which the subscriber is interested dictates the form in which the data is modified. For instance, subscribers for Origin CONFIRM are only interested in the first record generated by an article, and not the subsequent downstream processing results. Subscriber for Destination CONFIRM would only receive the last record generated by an article. Internal U.S.P.S. tracking/tracing functions would receive every record an article generates; and the subscriber data receiving unit 90 would receive the desired preselected data via modem or network.

0046As can best be appreciated by reference to Fig. 1 through 3, the encrypted mail monitoring and data retrieval system 10 that forms the basis of the present invention provides a means of accessing useful data for both the U.S.P.S. and their subscribers which should prove to be very beneficial not only to those directly involved with the system, but also to the general public as well.

0047As an article containing both codes is processed by U.S.P.S. automation, both the POSTNET 2 and PLANET 3 codes are read and, along with other information, 8 such as date/time, facility, stored on a local data collection unit 70. The ability to read the additional barcode is provided through the use of new software. No hardware modifications are required.

0048The local data collection units 70 periodically gather identical information from systems within that postal facility as well as remote data collection units 60 in the general area.

0049Regional data collection units 80 periodically gather the information from all of the local data collection units 70. This information is then shared among all regional data collection units 80. This is the basis for PLANET - the storage and forwarding or sharing of electronic information obtained from an article in the mail stream.

0050Subscribers then have access to the regional data collection devices. Depending on the type of application, some or all of the information stored is then electronically transferred to the subscriber. The information is clustered by the POSTNET address, for the case of mail being routed back to the subscriber, or by PLANET for the case of a subscriber's outbound mail, where the POSTNETs represent their customers' delivery addresses. Also, depending on the application, the data may be electronically altered/encrypted before transmission, to better serve the subscriber's needs.

0051Ultimately, the subscriber receives information regarding every article generated by the subscriber that is processed through the automated equipment. This information can then be used for many applications, including automatic account debiting, data base modification, and staff management, monitoring date of delivery so that advertising in papers or over the airwaves can be coordinated, as well as other applications.

0052With Origin CONFIRM, subscribers would know exactly how many articles are within the automated system in transit to their site. This information could be used to adjust staffing so that adequate resources are readily available upon receipt of the articles. Conversely, this information could be used to reduce unneeded resources.

0053Many subscribers see customers notices when payment has not been received. Many times, these notices are not needed, since the customer's payment is in transit. With Origin CONFIRM, subscribers could instantly determine whether an item is in the mail stream, and thus save the cost of sending late notices.

0054As soon as a subscriber is notified that a customer is about to receive an article, such as an advertising or marketing piece, the subscriber could use other advertising media, such as newspapers, radio and TV, to further the impact of the campaign. This could conceivably greatly improve customer response.

0055Since the PLANET code uniquely identifies the customer, subscribers could use Origin CONFIRM or Destination CONFIRM to automatically, and electronically, debit a customer's account. This would enable customers to easily pay bills without having to physically write checks, while still having control over the timing of the payment process. Customers desiring certification that the subscriber has received the debit authorization could add a certified label to their CONFIRM mail piece. This label is automatically detected at the time the POSTNET and PLANET codes are read. The data record includes this information when it is transmitted to the subscriber. The U.S. Postal Service maintains a record that this piece has been detected and the data transmitted to the subscriber. The subscriber electronically notifies the U.S. Postal Service of the customers address and that his authorization has been received. The U.S. Postal Service then maintains that information on file for electronic query or at a site close to the customer, prepares a receipt for delivery to the customer depending upon the service requested.

0056Many subscribers are interested in turn-around time. That is, the time a customer takes to respond to an article. In combination with Origin CONFIRM, Destination CONFIRM provides subscribers with the times at which a customer both receives and then returns an article. This information can then be used to gauge media effectiveness. Consistently long response times could indicate that the advertising copy should be changed to better entice the customer.

0057Regardless of the CONFIRM service, the data collection devices collect all article records. This includes those records generated during intermediate processing steps. Since CONFIRM provides information regarding both the entry point and time, and the delivery point and time, service standards can be electronically monitored. The information can then be used to locate problem distribution areas, and in the case of equipment failures, be used to route articles away from potential delays.

0058As previously stated, a record is created for all PLANET articles. This provides the ability to track an individual article from origin to destination. Thus, an article's location can be reasonably located.

0059Another application of Destination CONFIRM is the notification to a subscriber of an article that is not deliverable. This information could be useful for the subscriber, who would want to maintain the most up-to-date customer list possible.

0060Like Destination CONFIRM, the PLANET code identifies the subscriber. The POSTNET code, however, would identify a customer whose address is no longer valid. In this scenario, the subscriber would be provided with a list of POSTNET codes that are no longer correct. If the customer has moved, and the U.S.P.S. has a record of the customer's new location, the subscriber could also be provided a list of corrected POSTNET codes and addresses.

0061Another application for PLANET is the processing of inbound and outbound foreign mail. This is the only application in which the PLANET code is used to represent the physical destination of the article being processed.

0062The PLANET codes used for Foreign Mail Processing consists of two leading digits which identify the destinating country. The remaining digits identify the postal code for the physical destination of the article.

0063An additional application for PLANET is the confirmation that a customer's manifest matches the articles submitted for processing. In the U.S.P.S. environment, this would provide that ability to verify a mailer's manifest versus the actual make-up of the mailing (i.e., presort sequence, rates, etc.).

0064In this application, the processing rate (postage), subscriber id(our customer), the customer id(the subscriber's customer), and day-of-the-week are encoded within the PLANET code. The barcode reader reads and decodes the PLANET code, which is then recorded by the barcode sorter PC. At the end of the processing, the PC generates a manifest detailing the make-up and sequence of the mailing, which can then be manually or electronically compared to the manifest provided by the bureau submitting the mailing.

0065The present invention relates to image processing and more particularly to a technique for immediately providing valuable business data on time-sensitive mail items to business mailers as items are received into postal mail processing. The invention further covers all pre-encrypted or postal applied data on the mailpiece or mailpiece insert that is to be used for business advantage to the Postal Service.

0066The following example is meant to illustrate the concept of dual system encryption and postal processing but not to limit the scope of applications for which this concept is suitable and the invention applies.

0067The example depicted in Fig. 3 shows an envelope pre-printed with an identification pattern, including a destinating address code and an encryption code. The intelligence contained on the face of the envelope has a high business value when presented with immediacy to the mailer. The identification mark is used by postal automation equipment to identify the mailpiece as a candidate for enhanced service image handling. The full image of the mailpiece is captured for processing. The mailpiece continues in the automated postal mailstream. The image data is for the full face of the mailpiece and contains both traditional address data and the encrypted information placed on the mailpiece by the mailer. The image data is processed immediately via computer to analyze the image intelligence and determine the business data of interest. For the mailpiece shown in Fig. 3, the items of interest may be, name/address of sender, time mailpiece image was captured, account number, payment amount, estimated time mailpiece will be delivered. This data record is placed in a telecommunications "mailbox" together with all other instances of candidate mailpieces for this mailer. At convenient intervals the mailer will poll and empty his mail box of business data. The physical mailpiece will be delivered per usual in this case. This completes the process.

0068A similar process can be implemented to scan the full reverse side of the mailpiece when the subscribers POSTNET codes reveal that that service is desired. Those mailpieces would either be turned around and refed on a transport containing a single mailpiece scanner, or be processed on a transport with scanners to scan both sides.

0069Having thereby described the subject matter of the present invention, it should be apparent that many substitutions, modifications and variations of the invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that the invention as taught and described herein is only to be limited to the extent of the breadth and scope of the appended claims.